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Last week’s shootings at Deer Creek Middle School were an awful reminder of the events at Columbine and Platte Canyon. Yet in the midst of our concern for the two wounded students, there was also cause to celebrate the heroic actions of Dr. David Benke, a math teacher whose split-second decision to tackle the shooter undoubtedly saved lives. Popular culture provides ubiquitous references of heroism — “Guitar Hero,” sports heroes and mythical superheroes come to mind.

The Jefferson County School District is warning parents that rumors on social networking sites about threats to other schools in the district are not true. District officials are urging students to share only information that is factually based.

Bruco Strongeagle Eastwood, who is accused of shooting the students with a high-powered rifle, was quickly subdued by faculty members and held down until he was taken into custody by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Math teacher David Benke reportedly tackled the suspect, and at least two other adults assisted.

AURORA - Jaw dropping gave way to jaw breaking Feb. 26 for the Dakota Ridge Eagles. In what could go down as the wildest games the athletes on either side will ever be a part of, the Eagles and Grandview Wolves went into double-overtime to decide the winner of their second round Class 5A state playoff game. Big shots? Plenty. Heated moments? Tons. Crazy turnovers? Too many. Drama?

The suspect in Tuesday’s shooting at Deer Creek Middle School, 32-year-old Bruco Strongeagle Eastwood, was advised shortly after 11 a.m. Wednesday of a $1 million bond and the possible charges against him.

Eastwood could be charged with two counts of attempted murder in the shooting, which sent two students to local hospitals, critically injuring 14-year-old Matthew Thieu. Other charges may also be filed, though a spokeswoman for the Jeffco district attorney’s office said she could not comment on any upcoming charges.

Members of a local church mustered some gusto Feb. 15 and assembled more than 1,000 hygiene kits to be sent to Haiti.

About 80 volunteers bustled about in the warm glow of stained glass on Presidents Day at Faith Community Church in South Jeffco, forming assembly lines to pack toothbrushes, soap and other basic-needs items into plastic bags.

Fourteen-year-old Matt Thieu, the Deer Creek Middle School student critically injured in last week’s shooting, is recovering well and showed remarkably good spirits Feb. 26 during an interview at Children’s Hospital. Thieu was discharged this week

“It’s getting tiring in here,” Thieu told the Columbine Courier from his room at the hospital. The eighth-grader, who spends his free time skateboarding and enjoying the company of friends, added he is looking forward to returning to school and seeing his buddies.